Thinking of changing my car

[John Lee]

Posted by Nigel R on 07/08/2018 17:50:05:

Pointless comparison Percy - you can buy the Focus with a heated front screen.

As you can with the Octavia.

I've had 2 Octavias & a Yeti (with heated front screen) & only moved away from the brand when the new models grew in size & would not fit my garage.

[Former Member]

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[Engine Doctor]

Posted by Nigel R on 06/08/2018 10:25:50:

ED, is that the 2.0 TFSI unit?

"the Dacia bashers need to do a bit research. The motor that's in them is a Renault unit "

As I understood things, the entire range is Renault, about two generations behind current Renaults. With a different shape top body. It's a cheap(ish) way to buy an old model Renault.

Yes . Its rocket engine when its running ok , pvery powerful and smooth but chain slipped without warning on start-up . Car had done about 60k ,not a lot of miles for a modern car. ITrying to find a good second-hand engine was like looking for hens teeth . Gave up and sold it for spares or repair

[Nigel R]

Thanks ED. My unit is a full recon about three years ago following oil pump failure, before I bought it. Sounds like I should check if I have the revised tensioner.

 

edit: Mental note, don't try humour again.

Edited By Nigel R on 08/08/2018 08:50:34

[Engine Doctor]

Yes do check . My son called the RAC when it wouldn't start . The RAC man said straight away "that's probably the timing chain slip" so a well known fault. We did try a local Audi independent as Audi use this engine and they said they won't touch them and advise a recon unit as all the ones they had repaired were never the same ? Having fixed many engines with broken belts in the past I looked at removing the head and doing it myself but when I looked at the method of locking the sprockets in position I stepped back as specialist tools are needed to hold sprocket position.

[Bob Cotsford]

As someone who has recently wasted his time doing all the comparisons between brands I think that it's fair to say that there are only two three factors to consider - size, cost and does it light your fires? There's little to choose between big brands, the real differences are how the manufacturer hides the cost, ie what is part of the package and what's an option.

Just like buying a new transmitter you will recognise the benefits in what you are familiar with and notice 'defects' in the unfamiliar. Next up - Spektrum wars- best since sliced bread or pile of poo? Answers on the back of a £10 note please.

[Broken Prop]

Jaguar XF Sportbrake. Cavernous boot area and it has refrigerated seats.

[David P Williams]

I wanted a Sportbrake but they are diesel only (apart from the new model, but £40K is way out of my price bracket). That's why I ended up with the petrol Merc.

[Mike Etheridge 1]

Percy,

I do use the cruise control on my X-Type Jaguar, it functions just as you describe plus an initial warning on a dial that cruise control is engaged. You can increase the speed with a steering wheel mounted switch . I tend to use the brake to cancel it. I have found that the fuel consumption improves with cruise control but I have never bettered 43.7 MPG.

I have not driven my wife's Seat very often and keep forgetting to look up the cruise control function that I am sure she will never use. I am not that fond of the 'engine stop and restart' from stationary function which of course you can override and the turbo charged small engine is a bit of a concern when you floor the accelerator and he turbo charger has a delay on it's action. It does drive well though on country roads whereas the Jaguar is better on motorways.

[Former Member]

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[Former Member]

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[Bruce Collinson]

Plus 1 for the Q7, well the platform anyway. The present wife’s Touareg is pretty cavernous with the seats folded, lively enough in sport box and came heavily loaded as there’s a new one later this year. Very good drivetrain. Previous one never missed a beat in 3 years; VAG build quality.

Bit thirsty, I think.

BTC